3 days in County Durham with the dog
3 days For dog owners Built from visitor-rated places
Three days, six landmarks and a dog who'll sleep soundly every night. Day one keeps things tight on the coast: Tynemouth Priory and Castle in the morning, then just 1.1 miles to Arbeia Roman Fort Museum, which states disabled access. Day two stretches out properly — 20.6 miles inland to Brancepeth Castle, then a short 3.3 miles to The Story. Day three is the gentlest: Lumley Castle, then Lambton Castle a mere 1.1 miles on.
Every stop and every stay listed here welcomes dogs, so pack a spare lead, a collapsible bowl and plenty of water, and build a proper walk into each half-day. Roslyn Cottage sleeps 4, is pet friendly, has a hot tub and sits near a bus stop, 6 miles from Bishop Auckland station; Bowfield Farm Camping and Caravaning is pet friendly with parking, 14.9 miles from Shildon station. Coming by train? Bishop Auckland is your nearest station.
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Day 1
A neat coastal morning at Tynemouth Priory and Castle, then only 1.1 miles to Arbeia Roman Fort Museum, which states disabled access — short enough that the dog barely settles in the car. Both welcome dogs, so keep the lead on around the ruins and carry water for the walk between exhibits.
Day 2
Today's the driving day: 20.6 miles inland to Brancepeth Castle for the morning, then an easy 3.3 miles to The Story in the afternoon. Break the longer leg with a leg-stretch and a drink for the dog; both stops are dog-welcoming, with leads on throughout.
Day 3
The gentlest day of the three — 6.6 miles to Lumley Castle in the morning, then just 1.1 miles on to Lambton Castle. Two dog-friendly castle grounds within minutes of each other means more walking and far less driving, so top up the water bowl before you set off.
🛏️ Where to base yourself
Stays in County Durham that put this whole plan within easy reach.
Heather View Country and Leisure Park
✓ Set on the banks of the River Wear with countryside scenery
Bishop Auckland
Holebeck Touring Caravan Park
✓ Small, family-run, pet-friendly touring site open all year
Bishop Auckland
Roslyn Cottage
✓ Private hot tub on a covered verandah
Durham, North East England
Sleeps 4
£467 per break
Check availability
Bowfield Farm Camping and Caravaning
✓ Spectacular views and abundant wildlife on site
Barnard Castle
🎪 What's on in County Durham
Events from
Skiddle
Fri 13 Nov · 12:00
Newcastle Audio Tour: A Journey Through Time and Trade
The Tyne Bridge, Newcastle · 19.4 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
Fri 13 Nov · 19:00
Dine & Dance - Fame, Footloose & Saturday Night Fever
The Purple Peacock Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne · 19.6 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
Fri 13 Nov · 19:00
Absolute Amy
Newgate Social, Newcastle Upon Tyne · 19.6 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
Fri 13 Nov · 19:00
30s & 40s Singles Night at Harry's Newcastle| Love at First...
Harry's Bar, Newcastle · 19.6 mi
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🗺️ Getting to County Durham
Plan the drive with service stations, food stops and fuel or charging costs along the way.
Plan my journey →🚆 Or come by train
- Bishop Auckland 4.1 miles
- Shildon 6.8 miles
- Durham 8.7 miles
Straight-line distances · live departures on each station page